By Julie Conrey Record Staff Writer Holy Rosary Catholic School Principal Jim Ford is leaving the school in June. Ford, 62, has been named executive director of a Marianist retreat center in Eureka. It is one of four retreat centers in the country run by the Society of Mary, an international organization with headquarters in St. Louis. The group also runs St. John Vianney High School, Chaminade College Preparatory School and Our Lady of the Pillar Catholic Church, all in St. Louis. Ford said the opportunity to run the retreat center became available in January. After much thought and prayer he decided to apply for the position. “I am excited and blessed,” he said. “This is just another way to spread God’s kingdom.” Ford has been an educator in the Archdiocese of St. Louis for 37 years. He has been a principal for 14 years, at St. Cecelia in St. Louis from 2000 to 2011 and at Holy Rosary the last three years. Voted by his peers, he was awarded principal of the year in the Archdiocese of St. Louis in March. Ford’s tenure at Holy Rosary has been marked by change, he said. When he arrived, there was one multi-age classroom in which children in different grade levels learned subjects together then broke into age-level classes for math and religion. He expanded the concept to include half the students in the school. The teachers adapted well to the changes and did a great job marketing this concept to the parents, he said. Ford and the faculty continually evaluated the school’s curriculum while he was principal, he said. As a result, the school adopted the McGraw-Hill math program this year which emphasizes vocabulary, problem solving and real-world applications. Raised garden beds were placed outside each classroom which spun off lessons and projects in science, religion and language arts. Other changes to the school included installing Epson projectors in all classrooms to promote interactive learning, Ford said. The after-school program now includes a dance team, journalism club and bell choir. Ford also involved organizations in Warren County to enhance learning activities for his students. He’s grateful to the Warren County Ambulance District, Scenic Regional Library, the Warrenton Fire Protection District, Warren County Fine Arts Council and the Warren County R-III School District. “The services they’ve offered our school have been great,” he said. In addition to his position as principal, Ford was able to teach students 25 percent of the time at Holy Rosary. “I got to know the kids and I saw them every day,” he said. “It’s nice to go out into the parking lot and talk about the students to the parents. I’ll miss the interaction with the students.” Ford was also known for his community building activities. A musician for 40 years, his band Harmony played at school dances. “We have enjoyed three years working with him,” said Diane Grimes, current president of the Holy Rosary School Board. “He was always there for the kids and the parents. He will definitely be missed.” An educator parent, Eileen Vehige has served on the Holy Rosary School Board since 2008. “I’m sad he’s leaving,” she said. “He’s brought the school together. I’m happy for him that he’s moving on to a different experience.” Ford starts his new position June 15. He’s on stand-by for the new principal and Fr. John Mayo, the recently appointed parochial administrator of the parish, to help with the transition to a new administration. Fr. Mayo replaces Fr. Patrick Driscoll, who is leaving the Archdiocese of St. Louis in mid-June to work in the Archdiocese of San Francisco, Calif. Vehige serves on the advisory board Fr. Mayo put together to interview and recommend a new principal for Holy Rosary. She said the committee is working with three to four candidates, one of whom should be hired to replace Ford by the beginning of June. “We’re looking for an energetic, outgoing, spirited individual with a religious background,” she said. Holy Rosary School has a great future, Ford said, and he enjoyed his three years as principal. “I grew a lot personally and spiritually,” he remarked. “I will miss, think about and pray for the children, faculty and families. I wish them nothing but the best.”
Holy Rosary principal accepts position at retreat center
